Under the legislation, data can only be accessed after a user who has tested positive to the virus consents to their encrypted data being uploaded. After that, data can only be used by authorised state and territory health officials, and only for contact tracing purposes.

Attorney-General Christian Porter said the legislation should give citizens full confidence in using the technology.

“This legislation clearly defines the very limited circumstances in which COVIDSafe data can be collected, used or disclosed […],” he said.

“It is also a criminal offence under the legislation for anyone to coerce a person to use the app, to store or transfer COVIDSafe data to a country outside Australia, and to decrypt app data.”

“The COVIDSafe app will […] enable public health officials to quickly notify individuals who have been in contact with a person who has tested positive [and] give the government the confidence it needs to continue easing restrictions, and reopen our economy,” said Minister for Health Greg Hunt.

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